When the hallmarks of the teen
years include change and emotional
instability, how can you tell when your
child’s behaviour may be evidence of a
mental health concern?

About one in five teenagers are
affected by mental health issues, and
about 75 per cent of mental illness
starts between the ages of 14 and
25, says Dr. Chris Wilkes, associate
professor at the University of
Calgary and division chief for Child
and Adolescent Mental Health and
Addictions.

“Adolescence and teen years
can be a peak time for the onset of
eating disorders, substance abuse,
schizophrenia, anxiety, and mood
disorders like depression and bipolar
disorder,” he says.

While effective treatments areavailable, Wilkes says, it’s importantfor parents to get help for theirchildren before difficulties grow.“Many of these conditions areeasier to treat early on before thoseexperiencing them lose a sense ofmeaning, connection and purpose inJanet Chafe, director of Child andAdolescent Addiction and MentalHealth (Calgary Zone) for AlbertaHealth Services, says parents whoknow their teens’ behaviour canusually tell when something is amiss.

“Any time a child or teenager
expresses thoughts about suicide or
feelings of hopelessness it’s something
to pay attention to and seek help
with,” Chafe says. “Other changes
in behaviour may also indicate an

Warning signs can signal mentalhealth problems in teensParents can usually tell when something is amiss

Chafe says the greater the number,
duration and intensity of symptoms,
the greater the urgency to seek help.

“If a teen skips a meal once or twice,then it’s probably not a big deal. Butif they refuse to eat, deny they arehungry or are intensely afraid ofgaining weight, then it’s time to seekhelp.”To learn more about the mentalhealth supports available to parents,call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465 (LINK).